Pay or play?
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Elder User
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Pay or play?
In a few weeks I will be bringing my new to me Ranger back to the great state of Texas. The truck however, has a squeak when running, which I think has been concluded as the idler pulley for the timing belt. Well, I'm nowhere near the truck still and in order for it to get here it will need to be driven half a day to reach me, at which point I could do all the work it needs done.
My question is: Should I take the risk and have it driven here before the belt change (I did look at it while I was out there and it's already cracking pretty good), or should I go ahead and have someone get the belt done at a shop? It's less the belt that concerns me I think, and more the pulley, even though it's just started squeaking in the last 1000 mile.
Any one?
My question is: Should I take the risk and have it driven here before the belt change (I did look at it while I was out there and it's already cracking pretty good), or should I go ahead and have someone get the belt done at a shop? It's less the belt that concerns me I think, and more the pulley, even though it's just started squeaking in the last 1000 mile.
Any one?
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Elder User
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The truck is too far from me to do anything to by myself. That is why I'm here. I'm almost positive it's the tensioner pulley under the timing cover, if it's not that, I couldn't care less about what's happening to the engine beyond that. It won't be in there for long anyways.
The point of this post I guess, is to ask you all what you would do.
Would you be afraid to put over a thousand miles, or run this engine another 12 + hours, practically non-stop, with the timing components on their way out?
The point of this post I guess, is to ask you all what you would do.
Would you be afraid to put over a thousand miles, or run this engine another 12 + hours, practically non-stop, with the timing components on their way out?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
If I'm not mistaken, the Ford Ranger 4-bangers are non-interference engines, so at least you won't wreck the engine if the tensioner and/or timing belt fails.
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That's what I've heard too, but it would be significantly more expensive of a trip back...
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Among the first things I did when I bought my truck with 120k on it was replaced the timing belt, and it was definitely overdue. I don't know how much longer it was going to last, and I didn't want to find out the hard way.
I'd say, if in doubt, do it right and give yourself peace of mind.
I'd say, if in doubt, do it right and give yourself peace of mind.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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If a tow vehicle is available rent a dolly and go that way. At that mileage if timing belt is questionable then I would be additionally concerned about cooling system, tranny, wheel bearings etc on that long drive. Wouldn't want to have to pay for any of those repairs en route with an unknown on skill level of one doing the repairs. Just my two cents.
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Rob Widdup
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Oct 22, 2005 08:36 PM